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Classic Nepal

Classic Nepal

From $ 2,910 AUD

Description

Journey into Nepal’s heart and experience this enchanting region’s colourful sights and culture. Mingle with local villagers and craftspeople, visit temples and sacred Buddhist sites, travel the cobbled streets of tiny mountain towns and search for unique wildlife. From the whirlwind of Kathmandu to the lush jungle of Chitwan National Park – with plenty of delightful hidden gems in between – you’ll take an unforgettable tour of Nepal, brimming with culture, history and natural beauty.

Trip Name
Classic Nepal
Last Updated
2024-04-15
Days
11
Capacity
12
Highlights
  • Beginning and ending in Kathmandu, there's more than enough time to discover the Nepali capital's staggeringly rich cultural and artistic heritage.
  • Take a jeep safari with a local guide in Chitwan National Park – a beauty brimming with exotic wildlife – and you may be lucky enough to spot rhinos or elusive leopards and tigers.
  • Visit a Tibetan refugee camp and get to know the community before taking on a cooking demonstration to learn how to create traditional momos (steamed dumplings).
  • Discover world-class mountain scenery and explore the hill-perched Buddhist Peace Pagoda of laid-back Pokhara.
  • This is the perfect trip for those who want a cultural insight into Nepal without strenuous trekking, with plenty of inclusions, free time and comfortable accommodation in each destination.
  • By travelling on this trip, you’ll directly support our Intrepid Foundation partner, Sagarmatha Next. Donations help them remove waste responsibly and turn rubbish into art in the Everest region.

Itinerary

ITINERARY CHANGES Our itineraries are updated regularly throughout the year based on customer feedback and to reflect the current situation in each destination. The information included in this Essential Trip Information may therefore differ from when you first booked your trip. It's important that you review this information prior to travel so that you have the latest updates. Due to weather, local conditions, transport schedules, public holidays, political unrest or other factors, further changes may be necessary to your itinerary once in-country. Your group leader or local representative will keep you up to date with any such changes once your trip is underway. OPTIONAL ACTIVITIES A selection of optional activities that have been popular with past travellers are listed in the day-to-day itinerary. This isn't an exhaustive list and should be used as a guide only for some of what might be available. Prices are approximate, are for entrance fees only, and don’t include transport to and from the sites or local guides unless indicated. All activities are subject to availability, and maybe on a join-in basis. It may not be possible to do all the activities listed in the time available at each destination, so some pre-planning for what you are most interested in is advised. When it's recommended that travellers pre-book these activities, look for a note in the Special Information section of the day-to-day itinerary. For most, they can either be organised independently on the day, or let your group leader or local representative know you are interested at the Welcome Meeting and they can assist. Where activities are considered medium or high risk, we work with operators whose safety and credentials we have sighted and assessed. Although it is possible that you may find the same activity cheaper with another operator on the ground, we cannot vouch for the safety or quality of that operator. Medium and high-risk activities not listed above have not been assessed by us and as such our staff and group leader or local representative are unable to assist you with organising these activities. Activities that contravene our Responsible Travel policies are also not listed. Please remember that the decision to partake in any activity not listed is at your own discretion and risk.

Day 1 - Kathmandu
Namaste! Welcome to Nepal. Arrive in Kathmandu and take your complimentary airport transfer to the hotel. Your adventure begins with a welcome meeting at 6 pm where you'll meet your trip leader and fellow travellers. The evening is free to explore the streets of Kathmandu, whose mixture of ancient architecture and modern development, and rich artistic and cultural heritage means it remains the legendary destination it has been for decades. Crowded markets and bazaars are the centre of Nepali life, and the narrow streets are home to holy men, monks, bicycles, incense, goats, and sacred cows. You may like to join your leader and group for an optional dinner at one of Kathmandu's fine Nepali restaurants.
Day 2 - Kathmandu
Weather permitting, you'll have the option to take a Mount Everest scenic flight this morning. This experience will take you over Sagamartha National Park through a crescendo of the highest peaks in the world, getting up close to Mount Everest. After breakfast, you'll explore Kathmandu, visiting Pashupatinath, the most famous Hindu temple in the country, located on the banks of the holy Bagmati River. Here you'll see Hindu holy men (sadhus) meditating, pilgrims bathing and occasionally funeral pyres burning on the ghats. You'll also visit Bodhnath Stupa, one of the most significant Buddhist shrines in the world, where you can observe Buddhist monks in prayer in the monasteries surrounding the stupa. After lunch, it's time to explore Swayambhunath Temple (the Monkey Temple). A UNESCO World Heritage Site, this is one of the city's most famous temples and fascinatingly reflects Buddhist and Hindu beliefs. From here, you'll head to Durbar Square, which sits at the front of the old royal palace. You'll get a chance to admire the beautiful temples and browse the stalls of merchant's wares. The evening is yours to explore the city as you wish.
Day 3 - Pokhara
Today you'll leave your hotel early and hit the road to Pokhara in a private vehicle. Time to relax after you arrive. If you wish, you can stroll around and take in the views of the lake (Phewa Tal), which is the second largest in Nepal.
Day 4 - Pokhara
If you're an early riser, you'll have the option to wake up early and enjoy the sunrise over Sarangkot Hill this morning. Then, after breakfast, you'll visit the Peace Pagoda, where spectacular views of the mountains await. Take in vistas that span the Annapurnas to the famous fishtail peak, Machhapuchhare, and back to Pokhara. From here, you'll visit the fascinating International Mountain Museum to learn the amazing tales of past climbing expeditions – some ending in triumph, some ending in tragedy. After a morning of exploring, you'll head to a local Tibetan Refugee Camp for lunch. You'll hear stories of their journey from Tibet to Nepal, learn about local life and take part in a traditional cooking demonstration to find out how to make delicious momos (steamed dumplings). Of course, you'll sit down for a group lunch and tuck into the fruits of your labour. In the afternoon, you'll take a scenic boat ride across the lake (Phewa Tal). You can stretch your legs and check out Taal Barahi temple in the middle of the lake or simply admire the views from the boat.
Day 5 - Bandipur
Today you'll travel to Bandipur by private vehicle. This traditional Nepalese town is a natural treasure and one of the country's hidden gems. Bandipur was once an essential stop for traders travelling to Tibet, and the town's single main street is still lined with buildings that once housed a wide variety of merchants. Many of the buildings have been converted now, but their architecture remains. Enjoy a peaceful stay in this charming, rural location.
Day 6 - Bandipur
Enjoy a day of free time to explore Bandipur further. The surrounding hills are ideal for hiking along trails that will take you through tribal villages and hilltop shrines that once doubled as fortresses. Bandipur is saddled on a high ridge above Dumre, making for an exceptional view of the Himalayan panorama. You may prefer to visit the town's temples or relax with a coffee and a spectacular view.
Day 7 - Chitwan National Park
After breakfast, you'll drive to Chitwan National Park. After arriving and settling in, you'll be introduced to the camp staff and resident naturalists, who'll discuss the activities for the upcoming days. A late-afternoon safari will take you through forests and across grasslands to spot wildlife and explore the park. In the early evening, the local Tharu dance troupe may perform a cultural program. You'll enjoy dinner as a group and then the evening will be all yours – maybe relax in the bar and discuss the day's animal sightings or listen to the stirrings of the jungle at night.
Day 8 - Chitwan National Park
Embark on an early-morning excursion. This could include another safari to different parts of the park (in search of the great Indian rhino, deer and exotic birdlife) or joining one of the other activities available in the park. After breakfast, you’ll leave the lodge and go on a dugout canoe adventure on the Rapti River. This is an exciting trip with chances to catch a glimpse of marsh mugger crocodiles and various birds that inhabit the riverbanks. A program will be organised for the rest of the day and may include further excursions by jeep or a visit to one of the nearby villages.
Day 9 - Bhaktapur
If you’re an avid wildlife lover, an optional early-morning birdwatching safari is available today – a worthwhile addition to your trip. After breakfast, drive along the Trisuli River to Bhaktapur and enjoy a stop along the riverbank for lunch. Bhaktapur was once the capital of Nepal and the Great Malla Kingdom during the 15th century. Its rich heritage, inspiring temples and artisanal history played a big part in Bhaktapur being named a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Enjoy an evening of exploration on your own, soak up the lovely atmosphere in one of the local cafes, or simply relax in your hotel.
Day 10 - Kathmandu
Spend the morning exploring Bhaktapur's famous temples, starting at Durbar Square, which is said to be the most beautiful piece of art in Nepal. Durbar Square is home to the majestic Lion Gate and Golden Gate. You’ll also visit the Pashupati Temple – a replica of the Bagmati River in Kathmandu. In the afternoon, drive to Kathmandu. The evening is yours to spend as you wish – your group may like to head out for an optional final dinner as your Nepal adventure comes to an end.
Day 11 - Kathmandu
Your trip officially comes to an end after breakfast today. If you would like to stay longer, just speak to your booking agent.

Trip Dates

StartEndPrice FromRoom Type
06-05-202416-05-2024AUD $ 3,140-
03-09-202413-09-2024AUD $ 3,255-
06-09-202416-09-2024AUD $ 3,025-
16-09-202426-09-2024AUD $ 3,085-
23-09-202403-10-2024AUD $ 3,025-
07-10-202417-10-2024AUD $ 3,515-
10-10-202420-10-2024AUD $ 3,140-
14-10-202424-10-2024AUD $ 3,515-
18-10-202428-10-2024AUD $ 3,265-
21-10-202431-10-2024AUD $ 3,390-
28-10-202407-11-2024AUD $ 3,140-
04-11-202414-11-2024AUD $ 3,025-
08-11-202418-11-2024AUD $ 3,055-
18-11-202428-11-2024AUD $ 3,055-
20-12-202430-12-2024AUD $ 2,910-
03-03-202513-03-2025AUD $ 3,055-
10-03-202520-03-2025AUD $ 3,055-
21-03-202531-03-2025AUD $ 3,055-
07-04-202517-04-2025AUD $ 3,175-
18-04-202528-04-2025AUD $ 3,175-
02-05-202512-05-2025AUD $ 3,055-
01-09-202511-09-2025AUD $ 3,055-
12-09-202522-09-2025AUD $ 3,055-
19-09-202529-09-2025AUD $ 3,175-
03-10-202513-10-2025AUD $ 3,175-
10-10-202520-10-2025AUD $ 3,295-
17-10-202527-10-2025AUD $ 3,295-
24-10-202503-11-2025AUD $ 3,295-
31-10-202510-11-2025AUD $ 3,295-
10-11-202520-11-2025AUD $ 3,295-
17-11-202527-11-2025AUD $ 3,295-
28-11-202508-12-2025AUD $ 3,175-
22-12-202501-01-2026AUD $ 3,175-

Accommodation

Hotel (5 nights),Guesthouse (3 nights),Lodge (2 nights)

Transport

Private vehicle

Map